Farewell to Mujahid

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Written By

Vithika Salomi

Bihar bade a tearful farewell to a son of the soil Mujahid Khan, who was martyred in an encoun ter with terrorists at CRPF camp in Srinagarâs Karan Nagar on Monday.

The 25-year-old was laid to rest at his native village Piro, thousands turned up to pay their last respect to Khan. Emotions ran high during the wreath-laying ceremony at Piro grounds with slogans of âShaheed Mujahid Khan amar rahe amar raheâ and âPakistan Murdabadâ renting the air.

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar expressed grief over Khanâs death and had announced that his funeral would be accorded with full police honours.

Khanâs father Abdul Khair Khan told media persons that his son wanted to die for the nation and was stalling his marriage saying âit was time to serve the country.â His family members and friends have demanded the construction of some memorial for his fond remembrance.

The family members though have turned down the ex-gratia of Rs five lakh announced by the state government saying Khan has not died of liquor consumption but was martyred. &q uot;What will we do with the money? He has sacrificed his life for the country," his father said.

It may be mentioned that Bihar government no longer pays compensation for liquor deaths as its sale and consumption is illegal in the state. The last payment was in case of Gopalganj hooch tragedy in August 2016, considering a special case.

Some of the family members and locals were also unhappy with the absence of any senior leader or minister or senior officials to express their condolence. Even at Patna airport, only CRPF personnel were present when the braveheartâs body reached from Srinagar.

The Opposition targeted the government over none of the state or central ministers paying last respect to the martyr saying it was disrespectful to him. The Bhojpur district magistrate and superintendent of police reached to pay their respect to Khanâs mortal remains after some local media highlighted their absence.

Khan was the youngest among Abdulâ s seven children and had joined the CRPFâs 49th battalion in 2011. He had previously visited his home in November last. A purported video of Khan talking to a friend about shooting during the fatal encounter also cropped up on Wednesday.